chapter 130
Tori's POV:
"I wasn't—" I started to protest, then sighed, abandoning the pointless denial.
"Yes, actually. She can be quite... protective."
Lucas moved closer, his scent wrapping around me like a familiar blanket.
"She has every right to be," he said softly. "But I think we've reached an understanding."
I stood up, smoothing down my sweater. "That was fast. What did you say to her?"
"Nothing special," Lucas replied with a gentle smile. "Just helped ease some of her worries."
His expression softened as he glanced at his watch. "But your grandmother reminded me I shouldn't stay too long. "
A mischievous gleam appeared in his eyes. "Which means I need to make the most of every second to recharge my energy with hugs and kisses before I go."
Before I could protest, he pulled me closer, his lips finding mine in a tender kiss that made my heart race.
When we finally separated, I felt my cheeks burning.
"That should keep me going until tomorrow," he whispered, brushing his thumb across my lower lip.
I stepped back, trying to compose myself, smoothing my hair and clothes while Lucas straightened his jacket.
Once we both looked presentable again, we headed downstairs, me first with Lucas following a respectful distance behind.
As we passed the living room, my grandmother looked up from her knitting, her expression surprisingly neutral.
"I'll be back tomorrow morning to collect Tori, Mrs. Eileen," Lucas said respectfully. "The hearing preparations require her presence."
To my astonishment, Grandma Eileen nodded. "Very well, Alpha Lucas. I trust you'll ensure her safety."
Lucas inclined his head. "With my life."
After seeing him to the door, I couldn't contain my curiosity any longer. "What did you do?" I whispered. "She hated you twenty minutes ago."
Lucas smiled, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.
"Perhaps she was simply moved by how much I love you." He brushed his lips against my forehead. "Rest well, little wolf. Tomorrow will be a long day."
I watched him walk to his car where Roman waited, my hand unconsciously touching the spot his lips had just warmed.
When I turned back inside, Grandma was watching me from her armchair, her expression unreadable.
"You're not going to fight this anymore?" I asked cautiously, settling on the ottoman near her feet.
She sighed deeply, placing her knitting in her lap.
"I'm an old woman, Tori. I can't dictate your life forever." Her weathered fingers traced the pattern of her work. "Maybe he truly is an exception after all."
I leaned forward, taking her hands in mine. "I really want your blessing, Grandma," I whispered, emotion thick in my throat. "It means everything to me."
She reached out, stroking my head gently, her fingers threading through my hair the way she'd done since I was small. The familiar gesture brought tears to my eyes. "Just be happy, child. That's all I've ever wanted for you."
---
The next morning came too quickly.
Lucas arrived precisely when promised, dressed impeccably in a charcoal suit that emphasized his broad shoulders and commanding presence.
My grandmother stood at the door as we prepared to leave, her expression a mixture of resignation and hope.
"The truth will prevail," she said, gripping my hands firmly. "Remember who you are, Tori. No matter what they say in that chamber."
I hugged her tightly, inhaling the comforting scent of lavender and home that had sustained me through my darkest days. "I love you," I whispered.
Roman waited beside a sleek silver vehicle, opening the door as we approached.
The drive to the city center was quiet, my mind racing with all the possibilities that tomorrow might bring. Freedom or further condemnation. Vindication or more shame.
"You're thinking too loudly," Lucas murmured, his fingers interlacing with mine. "Trust me, Tori. I won't let you lose."
---
After a day of preparation, we approached the Elder Council Hall, its massive stone structure loomed against the morning sky.
Intricate moon phase carvings adorned the columns flanking the entrance, a reminder of the ancient laws that governed our kind.
I'd been here once before, four years ago, shackled and defeated.
The memory made my wolf, Tracy, whimper inside me.
It's different this time, I reminded myself. I'm not alone.
Lucas guided me through the silver-carpeted corridor, past clusters of pack members who whispered as we passed. I kept my head high, though my heart hammered against my ribs.
"Wait here," Lucas said, showing me to a preparation room. " Roman will go through the final details with you. I need to make a phone call."
I nodded, trying to project confidence.
After Lucas left, I decided to stretch my legs, the nervous energy making it impossible to sit still.
The moment I stepped out, my wolf Tracy tensed inside me. There they were—Fiona and Ethan standing together near the arched entrance to the witness waiting area.
My heart stuttered.
Ethan was wearing formal pack advocate robes—he was serving as Fiona's defense representative for the hearing. Although pack members could represent family during trials, seeing him standing firmly beside her sent a wave of betrayal crashing through me all over again.
Five years ago, Fiona had used my feelings for Ethan to lure me into Noah's trap. Now, Ethan was her official defender.
The irony was almost too painful to bear.
Ethan looked up, catching my gaze. Something flickered in his eyes but he quickly lowered his head, unable to maintain eye contact.
Fiona noticed our silent exchange and deliberately stroked her swollen belly.
Despite her obviously exhausted appearance, her eyes gleamed with unmistakable triumph when they met mine.
She wrapped her arm possessively around Ethan's, her voice carrying clearly across the hallway.
"Ethan, darling, you must use all your skills to defend me today," she purred. "Show everyone what an excellent advocate you are."
Tracy growled inside me, the sound almost reaching my throat before I swallowed it back.
Turning away, I retreated to the preparation room, my fingernails digging crescents into my palms.